ORGANISERS of the Great Haggis Hunt in Selkirk don't believe last year's record catch has diminished numbers on the Hill.

More than 200 haggii were trapped and taken from the breeding grounds beneath the town's golf course last January.

And fears were growing that there would be sparse pickings for this year's intrepid band of hunters.

Dave Scott from the organising committee of the Great Haggis Hunt is confident another bumper catch awaits.

He said: "I have never seen so many creatures being caught as I did last year - there were bairns with their arms full coming off the Hill.

"We've been up and checked the Hill already and there seems to be just as many adult males and females as last year.

"For years the hunters have been making sure Burns suppers in the town have had a plentiful supply of haggis for the table and I'm glad this tradition is set to continue for another year."

More than 300 hunters - from toddlers to pensioners - took to Selkirk Hill last year.

And just as many are expected to march through the town this weekend.

Sunday's puddin' pilgrimage sets off with military precision from Selkirk Market Place at exactly 11.02am.

The traditional Hunt Polka will be danced outside the Argus Centre at exactly 11.31am with musical accompaniment from the Riddell Fiddles.

And the hunt horn will be sounded at the Chinese Hut on the stroke of 11.53am.

Despite calls for a catch-and-release policy to preserve stocks, Mr Scott, is encouraging everyone to fill their nets - and their bellies.

He added: "We should make the most of good numbers while we can and enjoy a fine feast - many a haggis hunter has gone hungry in the past."

All hunters are asked to abide by the Great Haggis Hunt rules of no guns or crossbows.

And each of them will be asked to add their names to the muster roll ahead of the procession leaving the Market Place.

Following the hunt there will be a certificate presentation ceremony in the Towns Arms Inn at 2.04pm as well as an afternoon of music.